Denmark and Sweden Enhance Military Capabilities

In a significant development for Nordic defense, Denmark has announced a one-year acceleration of its plan to introduce military conscription for women, now set to commence in 2026. This decision is driven by the urgent need for additional personnel in the Danish Armed Forces, as stated by the country's Minister of Defense. The current geopolitical climate necessitates rapid growth in military capabilities, prompting this adjustment.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that this initiative not only addresses personnel shortages but also represents a vital step toward gender equality within the military. The Chief of Defense, Michael W. Hyldgaard, highlighted that incorporating women into the mandatory service enhances the army's ability to attract the most talented and motivated youth, regardless of gender.

Denmark's military has faced criticism regarding its operational readiness, with reports indicating a concerning state of disrepair in equipment and resources. Analysts noted that the defense budget had seen minimal investments from 2012 to 2023, leading to a military structure that resembles a façade rather than a robust fighting force.

In conjunction with this decision, the Danish Parliament recently approved a budget allocation of 50 billion Danish Kroner (approximately 6.7 billion euros) for the current and next year to bolster defense capabilities. This funding is part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing the defense budget from the current 2.4% of GDP to at least 3.2% by 2033, with future goals aiming towards 5% as the security landscape evolves.

Simultaneously, Sweden has unveiled its own defense enhancement plans, allocating an additional 300 billion Kroner (around 28 billion euros) over the next decade. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that defense spending would rise steadily from 2.4% of GDP to 3.5% by 2030, reflecting the increased uncertainty in international relations.

Sweden's commitment to strengthening its military comes in the wake of its NATO membership, which it joined in March 2024, and is designed to address the growing geopolitical tensions in Europe. The Swedish government anticipates that NATO will soon mandate member countries to allocate between 3% and 4% of their GDPs to defense.

Both Denmark and Sweden are expected to finance these military expansions through loans, indicating a shift in fiscal policy as they respond to the pressing demands of national security. The Danish Prime Minister has signaled that her government will consider loosening fiscal constraints to facilitate these enhancements.